My first 6 hours continuous flight - need advice

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Hazim

Filing Flight Plan
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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Hazim
Hello pilots,

I will fly my first long trip and will take around 6 hours.

Any advice for the junior pilot?

I am thinking of getting oxygen cylinder with me since I will be flying at 9500 feet. I know it is not required but I want to be relaxed and not fatigue. Do you think this is a good idea? Also how do I set the flow rate for such altitude? Is there any formula?

Thanks in advance
 
6 hours straight, no intermediate landing? Bathroom before flight. Empty water bottle for #1. I like to start a long day of anything hungry. No big meals beforehand, small snacks packed to eat along the way. Plenty of water. Just 2% dehydration taxes your mental focus greatly.
 
Suggest a landing at hour 3 to stretch legs and stay alert. Take a nap. Eat food. See what the area has to offer that you would have otherwise missed by flying over. Pick some place interesting. Stop and smell the roses.

Also, weather across all 6 hours of flight might be different. Allow for alternates short of your destination.

What is your route? We could suggest some things.

Oxygen - if you’re going to the trouble of getting a bottle, regulator, and cannula, then also buy a pulse oximeter from Walgreens or CVS. That way you can turn the flow up or down to match what you want your blood oxygen to be.

Have fun! Post the results!
 
Katamarino said:
Given that he's apparently in Riyadh, not many of us may be qualified to comment :D

Maybe he's from Riyadh and flying in the US, of course!
Click to expand...

Oops, I missed that, lol. Maybe you guys could fly in formation on your way around the world!
 
ditto re: 2 three-hour legs. Get a pulse oximeter; if your oxygen saturation gets too low, turn up the O2.
 
Fuel planning, alternate planning, and make sure you have something you can use for “urgent bathroom needs”.

9500 - you’ll probably be fine without O2, but if you want to buy a tank it might give you flexibility to go higher if the need arises.
 
Thanks guys for your replies.

Yes I am based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and you are welcome to attend our event SandnFun from 19-23 Nov if you have a chance :)

I will be flying from OETH to OEMD for refuel then continue to OEYN.

I have enough fuel to OEMD and my airplane has Autopilot so I hope it will help a lot.
 
Hazim said:
Thanks guys for your replies.

Yes I am based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and you are welcome to attend our event SandnFun from 19-23 Nov if you have a chance :)

I will be flying from OETH to OEMD for refuel then continue to OEYN.

I have enough fuel to OEMD and my airplane has Autopilot so I hope it will help a lot.
Click to expand...
Sand N Fun! Now that’s good…. And it’s even a real event!
 
6 hours is a lot, plan a stop along the way that has cheap fuel and a toilet break. I wouldn’t use oxygen for 9500’ but that’s me. I actually never tried oxygen in flight so I’m not sure if it makes you feel less tired or not.

But there’s not much to it, watch your instruments and fuel, keep situational awareness for nearby landing options and weather updates along the way. Have fun.
 
Good suggestions. But don't forget about the noise. Ear plugs at a minimum, noise canceling would be better. The loud noise of aircraft is very fatiguing.
 
Ditto on the two 3-hour legs, though there may be, um, political issues with doing so?

OP, do you have an autopilot? Use it. It will help immensely.
 
I have no idea what kind of weather you get there.
Blazing hot and sunny?
Windy and haboobs?
Afternoon thunderstorms?
 
Hazim said:
Hello pilots,

I will fly my first long trip and will take around 6 hours.

Any advice for the junior pilot?

I am thinking of getting oxygen cylinder with me since I will be flying at 9500 feet. I know it is not required but I want to be relaxed and not fatigue. Do you think this is a good idea? Also how do I set the flow rate for such altitude? Is there any formula?

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
absolutely take oxygen, esp if you're a lowlander, while not required 9500 feet for hours on end will have an impact. make sure to have and use an oxymeter. take food, gatorade and empty gatorade bottles.
also movies, podcast, music, it can get really boring out in the middle of nowhere
 
How old are you? How many hours do you have? If you're younger (under 40?), the added complexity of the oxygen might mitigate any benefits. And unless you're older or particularly susceptible, hypoxia shouldn't be a problem at 9500 during the day.

If you're solo (or with pax that can handle everyone peeing), bring a relief bottle and plenty of water. You probably won't get all that hungry while flying, but will be ravenous when you land.
 
Hazim said:
Thanks guys for your replies.

Yes I am based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and you are welcome to attend our event SandnFun from 19-23 Nov if you have a chance :)

I will be flying from OETH to OEMD for refuel then continue to OEYN.

I have enough fuel to OEMD and my airplane has Autopilot so I hope it will help a lot.
Click to expand...

Thumamah Airport - OETH

Thumamah Airport – OETH Airport Code: OETH Thumamah Airport is a “Public Aerodrome” certified under GACAR (Part 139) and operated by Saudi Aviation Club. The airport occupies an area of 3000,000 m2 and is located near the Thumamah desert (about 28.9 km north of King Khalid International Airport)...
sac.com.sa sac.com.sa

Al-Madinah Airport - OEMD

Al-Madinah Airport – OEMD Airport Code: OEMD The Saudi Aviation Club (SAC) Airport in the Al Madinah Al Munawwarah region is about 43 Km North of Al Medina. The airport consists of one Runway of approximately 1200 meters (3,937 Ft) long. Medina Airport is under development and operates partly by...
sac.com.sa sac.com.sa

www.flightradar24.com

Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map | Flightradar24

The world’s most popular flight tracker. Track planes in real-time on our flight tracker map and get up-to-date flight status & airport information.
www.flightradar24.com www.flightradar24.com

Here's the map from OETH to OEYN. 473 NM, and only 2 intermediate airports.
Yes, I'm bored.

1729568884746.png
 
What are you flying?
We want photos!
 
Don't drink coffee beforehand...

And PLEASE post photos! What may seem normal or boring to you may just be fascinating to us on the other side of the world!
 
Personal experience: did a 6-hour flight with my wife. No autopilot (and my non-pilot wife was not at all willing to help drive :(). Max altitude 6000. Took oxygen, with nasal cannulas (mostly for my wife's sake - at 6000 she read about 85% oxygen level). Used the lowest setting on the regulator. We are 64 / 65 years. We had smooth air, made 2 stops (for bathroom breaks for my wife). The oxygen and cannulas are a bit of a nuisance to use, but I think they probably helped reduce fatigue. Even with all that, I was tired by the end of the trip. Good thing there were no weather challenges to deal with!
 
Better than a bottle is Travel John or Moodooy

They are bags with a gelling agent, so after a short time, no liquid to spill. And you will not grab one thinking it is a something to drink. :D

Both work well for men. A female friend likes the Moodooy better, as the opening is more flexible.


 
Carry a pulse /oximeter,water to stay hydrated,and I would personally make it a two leg trip
 
Oh, I don't "drink" water on long flights. I take a sip every so often and hold it in my mouth for a bit.

Keeps my mouth moist. Helps the hydration. And limits the need to pee.
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
I have no idea what kind of weather you get there.
Blazing hot and sunny?
Windy and haboobs?
Afternoon thunderstorms?
Click to expand...
No this is not the weather here .. it’s going to be sunny, 24sh Celsius at ground level .. maybe a bit windy but no dust or thunderstorms at all ..
 
trenton said:
How old are you? How many hours do you have? If you're younger (under 40?), the added complexity of the oxygen might mitigate any benefits. And unless you're older or particularly susceptible, hypoxia shouldn't be a problem at 9500 during the day.

If you're solo (or with pax that can handle everyone peeing), bring a relief bottle and plenty of water. You probably won't get all that hungry while flying, but will be ravenous when you land.
Click to expand...
Just turned 40

Will fly with passenger

Airplane has autopilot as well
 
murphey said:

Thumamah Airport - OETH

Thumamah Airport – OETH Airport Code: OETH Thumamah Airport is a “Public Aerodrome” certified under GACAR (Part 139) and operated by Saudi Aviation Club. The airport occupies an area of 3000,000 m2 and is located near the Thumamah desert (about 28.9 km north of King Khalid International Airport)...
sac.com.sa sac.com.sa

Al-Madinah Airport - OEMD

Al-Madinah Airport – OEMD Airport Code: OEMD The Saudi Aviation Club (SAC) Airport in the Al Madinah Al Munawwarah region is about 43 Km North of Al Medina. The airport consists of one Runway of approximately 1200 meters (3,937 Ft) long. Medina Airport is under development and operates partly by...
sac.com.sa sac.com.sa

www.flightradar24.com

Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map | Flightradar24

The world’s most popular flight tracker. Track planes in real-time on our flight tracker map and get up-to-date flight status & airport information.
www.flightradar24.com www.flightradar24.com

Here's the map from OETH to OEYN. 473 NM, and only 2 intermediate airports.
Yes, I'm bored.

View attachment 134456
Click to expand...
A friend will be with me + hundreds of hours of music
 
Lndwarrior said:
Don't drink coffee beforehand...

And PLEASE post photos! What may seem normal or boring to you may just be fascinating to us on the other side of the world!
Click to expand...
Sure will do

Also you can check my YouTube channel. I have few trips uploaded there .. might give you an idea about our beautiful part of the world


 
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Landing while trying not to pee your pants is not fun. Then when you have to encourage your co-pilot to move quickly because the door is on their side so you can rush outside of the aircraft to pee. It’s happened, many times. Haha
 
mandm said:
Landing while trying not to pee your pants is not fun. Then when you have to encourage your co-pilot to move quickly because the door is on their side so you can rush outside of the aircraft to pee. It’s happened, many times. Haha
Click to expand...
Luckily we have 2 doors
 
Hazim said:
Hello pilots,

I will fly my first long trip and will take around 6 hours.

Any advice for the junior pilot?

I am thinking of getting oxygen cylinder with me since I will be flying at 9500 feet. I know it is not required but I want to be relaxed and not fatigue. Do you think this is a good idea? Also how do I set the flow rate for such altitude? Is there any formula?

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
No oxygen.. even at 12k I don't need O2 (69yr old).. bring something to pee into and no coffee before departure
 
It sounds like a lot of fun, except for that 6 hours in a seat part. Hope you have a great time and that your channel does well. Happy flying stories are good for all of us!
 
A 6 hour flight is just reaching medium length as far as I'm concerned. It's not a long flight until you need to use the ferry system :p
 
I plotted your route and the highest point is about a one third the way from OETH to OEYN at only 4800 MSL.
Why the need to fly at 9500 MSL. How about 6500 or 7500 and no O2?
 
7500 feet will only be about 4 degrees C warmer than 9500 feet.
 
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